Joel Dry: Inside the Prime Minister's luxury private jet

While its physical presence in this country has been limited to only a few guest appearances this decade, most of us have have likely seen it play a starring role on the big screen in Hollywood blockbusters. It is by far the most famous plane on the planet.

By contrast, our own political leader's mode of aerial transport doesn't quite have the same fame.

The Prime Minister of Australia is afforded the luxury of a private jet, though Air Force One it ain't.

Malcolm Turnbull actually has at his disposal two Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 737s, operated by the Royal Australian Air Force's 34 Squadron. It is the unit tasked with transporting the nation's VIPs, as well as dignitaries, visiting royal family members, the Governor General and ministers.

Photos within the cabin are forbidden due to "security" reasons. (Image: Joel Dry) ()

Air Force One is a variance of the 747 jumbo jet. It measures 76m long and has capacity for about 70 passengers. It includes a mini White House, complete with a Presidential executive quarters, conference room and a medical facility with an operating table.

The ageing BBJ fleet, utilised by the Prime Minister, is 33m long and has the capacity to carry only around 20 passengers.

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So, what is it like to travel with this country's most powerful person? A recent trip to Papua New Guinea and India with the Prime Minister provided an insight into what it's like to fly VIP class.

To start with, it is rare for people outside the Prime Minister's team to travel with him, or her.

Only on the occasions when the Prime Minister's itinerary makes it impossible to keep up with their movements, is a VIP jet made available for media travel. This is purely a logistical decision.

Malcolm Turnbull has two BBJ 737s at his disposal. (Image: Joel Dry)
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Stepping into the BBJ does provide a feeling of something out of the ordinary.

At the front of the plane is the private Prime Minister's quarters. This is the most exclusive part of the aircraft. It is sectioned off from the rest of the cabin via solid walls and includes seating for four people around a table that can be converted into a bed. The Prime Minister's room also includes a separate bathroom with a shower.

Moving back through the plane; next comes a middle section of eight seats. Six of these are around tables and could be classed as the "business class" section of the aircraft. At the rear of the plane is 12 more seats. This area is probably considered the "economy" section, though the seats are more like a premium economy offering on a regular commercial airline.

All passengers are catered to by Air Force cabin crew. The service is what you would expect on a premium class ticket service. The food is top quality, the booze is from the top shelf and the crew are continually ensuring your flight is as comfortable as it can be. All passengers on this aircraft are made to feel like VIPs.

There is a good reason for this premium service. Those people not connected with the Prime Minister or government pay for the right to be on board. When the media travels with the Prime Minister we are charged a rate equivalent to a business class fare.

Travel on board also comes with an element of secrecy. Photos within the cabin are strictly forbidden. When asked why; no one can provide an exact reason beyond simply saying, "security".

As luxurious as travel on the BBJ sounds - and it definitely does beat commercial travel - there are drawbacks to its capabilities.

It has the capacity to carry around 20 passengers - Air Force One however can carry about 70. (Image: Joel Dry) ()

For one its relatively small size only allows a limited range. For example; the Prime Minister's plane must stop twice in order to get to Washington. The inability to fly the media or larger business delegations with the Prime Minister presents logistical headaches. Often it is impossible for journalists and camera crews to be in the same place as Malcolm Turnbull to cover events of national importance without the use of two VIP jets.

This will be resolved with the introduction of the new government VIP plane.

The Department of Defence has been given approval to upgrade the fleet.

A KC-30 - a modified Airbus A330 which is currently used to refuel our fighter jets over the Middle East - will be converted into a VIP jet.

The new aircraft will apparently be a modest fit out. Details on just how many bells and whistles are being included for the Prime Minister, and the overall cost, are being kept confidential. Most importantly the new A330 will enable government hi-flyers to fly further and with more passengers. The new plane will make international diplomacy more accessible and more convenient. Longer haul trips, currrently impossible, will make life easier.

Basically the position of Prime Minister is getting its own Air Force One - just on a much smaller scale.

And don't expect this new plane to appear on movie screens any time soon.